§ 82. Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has received applications from farm workers for a supply of malt and hops; whether he will consider the claim of these men to such consideration owing to the nature of their employment and the hot weather during which this work s performed, and release for the brewing of home-brewed beer the amount of malt and hops asked for; and, if so, can he state when such supplies are likely to be avail able?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In view of the limited stock of malt available for brewing it will not be possible to grant general licences for home brewing, and it would be invidious to make provision for one class of national worker without extending the treatment of other workers whose employment may be con- 2204 sidered of equal national importance. It is hoped to make some provision for farm workers on the lines adopted last year.
§ Sir F. FLANNERYIs the Department considering the question of so altering the brewing as to increase, the supply of low grade beer and decrease the supply of luxury beer so as to enable farm labourers and others to have a larger quantity during the harvest?
§ Mr. CLYNESI promised in the discussion last Thursday that that would be taken into account and it is being considered.